A few days ago, German and Finnish scientists published research results saying that they have synthesized a unique new carbon atom network. The new form of carbon is like graphene, only one atom thick, but the atomic structure and electronic properties are completely different from graphene. It is expected to find use in fields such as batteries.
Carbon exists in various forms, such as diamond, graphite, and graphene. Graphene is the thinnest material known so far, and its unique "character" makes it expected to "show its talents" in many applications such as electronics. In graphene, each carbon atom is connected to three other carbon atoms, forming a honeycomb-like hexagon. Theoretical studies suggest that carbon atoms may also be arranged in other network patterns, but scientists have so far not found these predicted networks.
In the latest study, scientists from the Universities of Marburg and Aalto have discovered a new network of carbon atoms, which they named the biphenylene network. In this new form of carbon material, carbon atoms are connected to each other to form squares, hexagons and octagons, which then combine into ordered lattices.
The researchers also confirmed the unique structure of this network using high-resolution scanning probe microscopy and found that its electronic properties are distinct from those of graphene.
Graphene is a semiconductor, but the new carbon has metallic properties, they say. Professor Michael Gottfried from the University of Marburg said: "Narrow stripes on the novel carbon network behave like metals and can be used as wires for future carbon-based electronic devices." Study lead author Qitang Fan from the University of Marburg ) said: "This new carbon network can also be used as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries, and the new material will have a larger lithium storage capacity than current graphene-based materials." The
researchers assembled carbon-containing molecules on the smooth gold surface. The new material was made on: The carbon-containing molecules first formed chains of linked hexagons, which were then linked together to form squares and octagons. Before joining, only chains of the same type will aggregate on the gold surface, forming an ordered combination, which is crucial for the formation of new carbon materials, because the reactions between different types of chains only produce graphene. "What's unique about us is the use of molecular precursors that we tune to produce biphenylene, not graphene," explained Linghao Yan from Aalto University.
Currently, the research team is working on creating larger sheets of the new material to explore its application potential. They also say that the new synthetic method is expected to give rise to other novel carbon networks.
The birth of graphene has opened the door to the world of two-dimensional materials, and it has also refreshed scientists' understanding of the "dimension" of material materials. Since a single layer of carbon atoms can form graphene, in theory, other substances may also be arranged in a single layer of atoms and form new two-dimensional materials. The latest research has brought new inspiration: changing the arrangement of carbon atoms in a single layer can form another two-dimensional material. Is the same for other materials? If so, the frontiers of the world of two-dimensional materials will be greatly expanded.
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